'I was on my own, I couldn't breathe': Ben Stokes gives distressing details of him choking on tablet

Stokes is currently in Australia to take part in the Ashes 2021-22.

By Salman Anjum - 29 Nov, 2021

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has revealed that he feared for his life after consuming a tablet wrongly, which caused him to "choke horribly".

Stokes is currently in Australia to take part in the Ashes 2021-22, slated to get underway on December 8 at the Gabba.

The 30-year-old is returning to international cricket after an indefinite break he took in July to address his mental health and rest his left index finger which was fractured.

See Also: He's a massive asset in many respects - Root thrilled with Stokes' return for Ashes

"It was actually down to a simple tablet that went down the wrong way and got stuck in my windpipe causing me to choke horribly before the glands in my face went into overdrive to flush it out," Stokes wrote in his column for 'The Daily Mirror' but he didn’t mention when and where the incident took place.

"Until it actually came out, I thought this might be the end. We've all had those moments when something gets stuck in the throat, and usually someone can help you out.

"But I was on my own in my room and I couldn't breathe as it became lodged and started to dissolve... it was a genuinely frightening experience.

"The team doctor came to see me straight away and she explained what had happened with the body reacting the way it did. I'm glad it did, even though I was a mess."

Ashley Giles, managing director of England men's cricket, is certain that the ace all-rounder will be ready for the first Test.

"I'm hopeful and I'd always like to be confident, but we've got to treat Ben carefully, as we would anyone else who's been in that position, of not having a lot of cricket under their belts. But he'll be a difficult man to hold back if he's ready to go," Giles said.

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 29 Nov, 2021

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